Misrepresentation of Age

Misrepresentation of Age in Washington D.C.

Has Your Child Been Arrested Using a Fake ID?

Whether your child is in high school or college, he/she may be tempted
to get a fake ID in order to purchase alcohol for other underage friends
or enter bars and clubs to hang out with an older crowd. While many teenagers
have fake IDs to enjoy the spoils of being over 21 years of age without
waiting years, misrepresentation of age is a criminal offense, potentially
punishable by fines, license suspension, and a criminal record.

If your child has been arrested for this crime, our
Washington D.C. criminal defense lawyers at
Hunter & Johnson, PLLC can help your son/daughter either avoid conviction or reduce the charges/penalties
they face. From getting your case dismissed altogether to negotiating
a diversion agreement, there are several legal options available to
juvenile offenders and young adults who have been charged with misrepresentation of age.

District of Columbia Laws & Penalties for Misrepresentation of Age

Whether your present a fake ID or verbally declare a fake age, falsely
representing yourself in order to buy, carry, or drink an alcoholic beverage
or attempting to enter an ABC establishment is considered misrepresentation
of age. An ABC establishment is one which serves or sells alcohol, such
as a liquor store, bar, or nightclub.

It is not uncommon for law enforcement to go undercover and monitor a line
outside an ABC establishment and identify individuals who appear to be
underage. This effort is often in coordination with bouncers and other
staff members of the venue, so upon presenting a fake ID, the police can
make an arrest right then and there.

Penalties for misrepresentation of age include:

First offense – Punishable by a maximum $300 fine and driver’s license suspension
for up to 90 days

Second offense – Punishable by a maximum $600 fine and driver’s license suspension
for up to 190 days

Third and subsequent offense – Punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and driver’s license
suspension for up to one year

If avoiding a guilty verdict is out of the question, first- and second-time
offenders may be eligible to enter a diversion program. In return for
pleading guilty, defendants will have their charges dropped upon completing
the program. The program often entails 16 or more hours of community service
and up to $200 in fines.

When your child has a permanent criminal record, it can be difficult for
him/her to get a job, apply for college, find housing, and take advantage
of other opportunities in life. If you hire our legal team, we provide
your child with a great chance to avoid getting a conviction and help
him/her get back on the right track.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.